Setting up in a UAE free zone involves several cost components: the trade licence fee, visa quota fees, office or flexi-desk charges, and one-off government fees. This calculator gives you a realistic cost range based on your inputs — all figures are indicative, caveated, and sourced from published free zone tariffs as of early 2026.
UAE Free Zone Cost Estimator
What Does UAE Free Zone Setup Actually Cost?
Licence Fees by Activity
The base trade licence fee is the largest single component for most setups. Here are indicative ranges by activity type as of early 2026 — these are broad market ranges across UAE free zones and individual zone tariffs vary considerably:
| Activity Type | Indicative Licence Fee Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Consultancy / Professional | AED 5,500 – 15,000 | Single or multiple activities |
| General Trading | AED 9,000 – 22,000 | Higher due to broader activity scope |
| E-Commerce | AED 5,750 – 14,000 | Many zones offer e-commerce packages |
| Technology / IT | AED 7,500 – 18,000 | Varies by activity count |
| Media / Creative | AED 5,750 – 15,000 | SHAMS, twofour54, Meydan well suited |
| Holding / Investment | AED 10,000 – 25,000 | DIFC, ADGM, DMCC commonly used |
Visa Fees
Each investor or employee visa in a UAE free zone involves: entry permit, establishment card, change of status or entry stamping, Emirates ID, and medical fitness test. Total all-in cost per visa is typically AED 3,500 – 6,500 depending on the free zone and visa type. Dependent family visas add a further AED 2,500 – 4,500 per person.
Office and Workspace Fees
Many free zones include a virtual office or flexi-desk address within the licence package at no extra cost, particularly at SHAMS, IFZA, and Meydan. Dedicated flexi-desks range from AED 3,000 – 8,000 per year. A physical office of 50–100 sqm in a free zone building typically costs AED 15,000 – 60,000 per year in rent, before fit-out costs.
Government and Registration Fees
Expect AED 1,200 – 2,500 in government fees covering initial approval, name registration, memorandum and articles of association (MOA/AOA) attestation, and company registration certificate. These are one-off in Year 1 but some components recur on renewal.
Year 2 Renewal Costs
Annual renewal typically costs 50–80% of Year 1 since the one-off registration fees do not recur. However, visa renewal (every 2–3 years), tenancy renewal, and any activity additions or share transfers carry their own fees. See our free zone renewal guide for a full breakdown.
Hidden Costs to Budget For
Beyond the headline figures, a realistic budget should include:
- Bank account setup: AED 0 – 3,000 initial deposit; some banks charge account maintenance fees of AED 500 – 1,500/year
- Document attestation: AED 500 – 3,000+ for degree certificates, NOCs, or company documents if required
- UAE tax registration: Corporate tax registration is free via EmaraTax; VAT registration is compulsory above the AED 375,000 threshold
- Professional service fees: If you use a setup consultant, fees typically range AED 2,000 – 10,000 depending on scope
- Insurance: Health insurance is compulsory for visa holders; group plans start from approximately AED 1,200/year per person
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum cost to set up a company in a UAE free zone?
The lowest-cost UAE free zone licence in 2026 starts at approximately AED 5,500 per year for a single-activity consultancy licence at free zones such as SHAMS or UAQ. This is a licence-only cost without visas. A realistic all-in Year 1 budget including one visa and a virtual office is typically AED 9,000 – 15,000 at the more affordable free zones. Costs are confirmed, not estimated, via a direct quote from the free zone or a licensed consultant.
Are UAE free zone setup costs tax-deductible?
UAE free zone companies are generally subject to UAE Corporate Tax at 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000 (as of 2023). Qualifying Free Zone Persons may be eligible for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income subject to meeting specific conditions set by the Federal Tax Authority. Business setup costs are generally deductible expenses. Consult a licensed UAE tax advisor for guidance specific to your structure.
How much does a UAE free zone visa cost?
Each UAE free zone investor or employee visa costs approximately AED 3,500 – 6,500 all-in, covering the establishment card, entry permit, Emirates ID, medical fitness test, and stamping. Dependent family visas add approximately AED 2,500 – 4,500 per person. See our full UAE free zone visa cost guide for a zone-by-zone breakdown.
What is the cheapest free zone in the UAE?
Several UAE free zones offer licences from approximately AED 5,500 – 7,500 per year for single-activity packages, including SHAMS (Sharjah), UAQ Free Trade Zone, and Ajman Free Zone. The most cost-effective option for your business depends on your activity, visa requirements, and banking needs. See our UAE cheapest free zones guide for a detailed comparison.
Does the cost estimator include renewal fees?
No — the estimator above calculates Year 1 setup costs only. Annual renewal costs are typically 50–80% of Year 1, as one-off registration fees are not repeated. See our UAE free zone renewal guide for a full year-by-year cost model.
Next Steps
Once you have an indicative budget, the next step is to compare free zones that suit your activity and then request confirmed written quotes. Our team can help you compare options and get current pricing within 24 hours.
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Reviewed by UAE Free Zone Finder, June 2026. Cost data sourced from publicly available free zone tariff schedules. All figures are indicative estimates; request confirmed quotes before making business decisions. UAE Free Zone Finder is not a licensed financial advisor.